M’s welcome wagon

The Mariners stand firmly behind the switch of the Houston Astros into the American League West Division, team president Chuck Armstrong said Friday. The Astros will join the division in 2013. “It’s better for everyone,” Armstrong said. “The Mariners fully support two 15-team leagues with three five-team divisions in each league. It’s better for the game, fairer, and makes scheduling easier.” Armstrong is not fazed by the A.L. West, which has been the only division with four teams, growing by one. “It’s better for the fans,” he said. “They get to see another team come in. In looking at several schedule drafts, it appears we’ll be traveling fewer miles, because it eliminates one trip back East.” – Seattle Times